This apology is addressed to ‘Titus Elius Adrianus Antoninus Pius Augustus Caesar, and to his son,’ &c. Written on the very heels of the apostles’ time, and to a Caesar by a church leader, this address is an essential Christian document. Considering the power and brutality of the Roman Empire under Caesar, the tone of the address is striking. It is a combative discourse, which is not quite the tone that callow readers suppose the word ‘apology’ calls for.

If Justin Martyr were alive and walking among us as some other man, disseminating his Apology in his unapologetic temper, our leaders of seminaries and churches would dismiss him as an easily offended fanatic who shoots his mouth off. We are need of some Justin Martyrs today. Since the verses that are quoted, interpreted, and applied by Justin Martyr may be easily gathered together in a list, his First Apology would make excellent material for use in a Bible study.

This reading of the apology is so fluid as to be inconspicuous, which makes it easy to concentrate on what is read.